The Board of Directors of Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Robin Harding as its CEO, effective June 23, 2014. CURE Board Chair Gardiner Lapham noted Harding’s breadth of non-profit leadership experience and the way her visionary, strategic and management skills align with the organization’s mission to drive innovative research that will lead to a cure for epilepsy.

Ms. Harding, who has served as the organization’s interim Executive Director for the past six months brings more than 25 years of progressive, successful leadership experience in the non-profit and corporate sector to CURE. She worked with the national headquarters of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) for eight years culminating in the role of EVP and COO where, among other major accomplishments, she led the development and launch of their $1 billion five year global philanthropic campaign. Prior to that she served as the executive director of the local Illinois based chapter. Additionally, Harding worked as a director of development for six years for the Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago.

Most recently, Harding oversaw her own consulting firm, Behind the Scenes (BTS) Productions, Inc., where she built a strong portfolio of clients across multiple categories including medical research and health awareness. In addition to CURE, clients included Lupus Research Institute (LRI), James Tyree Foundation and American Cochlear Implant (ACI) Alliance, where Harding developed and executed a strategy that laid the foundation for addressing access to information, technology and care related to cochlear implantation.

“Robin is an accomplished professional who values integrity, excellence and service to others,” said Susan Axelrod, Founding Chair of CURE. “I am confident that she will lead the organization to new heights by expanding and strengthening our contributions to epilepsy research.”
Ms. Harding holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts and sciences from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is also a graduate of Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management's Advanced Executive Program.